Truss System

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a truss, having an upper and lower chord member each extending in generally the same longitudinal direction and in spaced apart relation. The truss also includes a plurality of web members each with a first and second end, the web members including a crimped portion at the first and second end with openings disposed therein, wherein the first and second ends and openings of adjacent web members overlap. A lower chord fastening system extends through the lower chord and through the overlapping openings in the first ends of adjacent web members. An upper chord fastening system extends through the upper chord and through the overlapping openings in the second ends of two adjacent web members, wherein a plurality of lower and upper chord fastening systems are utilized across the entire length of the truss.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/702,069 filed Sep. 17, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to the design and fabrication oftrusses adapted for use in modular buildings and similar environments.More specifically, this disclosure concerns the simplification of thetruss manufacturing process employing a fastening system for the trusschords and web members.

Trusses allow the construction of buildings without the utilization ofinterior columns or reduce the need for columns to spans that canapproach 60 feet. For those seeking a building such as a warehouse or abig-box retail facility the use of trusses offer tremendous flexibilitywith maximizing floor space without interruption by columns.

Trusses can be constructed which have spaced apart chords and rigidinterconnected web members. Such trusses are generally made for specificinstallations and are fabricated from components which are typicallywelded together and then the assembled truss is submerged in large tanksof primer and paint to fully cover the entire truss thereby protectingthe truss and in particular, the welded joints against corrosion.Because trusses are critical structural members supporting considerableloads, their assembly at the weld points must satisfy demanding industrystandards Skilled welders with specialized certifications must beutilized to maintain the quality and the integrity of the welds in orderto produce a product that meets and exceeds these industry standards.

Standard high strength steel is typically employed in the manufacture ofthe truss. As previously noted, once the welds are completed and thetruss is fully assembled the entire truss is either submerged in a paintbath or painted utilizing a spray gun. Both operations requirespecialized equipment that increases the time and the cost of productionof the trusses. Alternatively, galvanized steel elements could be usedto fabricate a welded truss; however, the galvanizing must first beremoved from the area to be welded. Once the galvanizing is removed andthe truss elements are welded the weld point is unprotected against thecorrosive effects of the environment. To protect the weld areas againstcorrosion the truss welds must be painted thereby defeating the purposeof using galvanized steel truss components.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a truss assembly processthat does not require painting of the entire truss prior to shipment.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a truss assembly processthat does not require specialized welding expertise to secure the webmembers to the upper and lower chords of the truss.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a galvanized, pre-coatedor pre-painted steel truss that when assembled does not require grindingof the weld area to remove surface protectants prior to assembly of thetruss members.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a truss that can beassembled using mechanical elements that provides a load capacitycomparable to a similarly sized welded truss but at a lower overallcost.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a truss, having an upper and lowerchord member each extending in generally the same longitudinal directionand in spaced apart relation. The truss also includes a plurality of webmembers each with a first end a second end, the web members including acrimped portion at the first end and the second end with openingsdisposed therein, wherein the first and second ends and openings ofadjacent web members overlap. A lower chord fastening system extendsthrough the lower chord and through the overlapping openings in thefirst ends of adjacent web members. An upper chord fastening systemextends through the upper chord and through the overlapping openings inthe second ends of the two adjacent web members, wherein a plurality oflower and upper chord fastening systems are utilized across the entirelength of the truss.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the truss assembledusing mechanical fasteners;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular web member;

FIG. 3 is an perspective view of an embodiment of an upper chord for usein constructing the truss with mechanical fasteners;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 depicting anembodiment of mechanical fastening components securing a tubular memberto an upper chord;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing anembodiment of mechanical fastening components securing a tubular memberto a lower chord;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the truss mechanicalsystem fastening components securing two tubular members to the lowerchord;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the truss mechanicalsystem fastening components securing two tubular members to the upperchord;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the truss system showingthe mechanical fastening components of the truss at an upper chord;

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the truss assembly usingmechanical fasteners;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a V-shaped tubular webmember;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view along lines 11-11 of FIG. 9 showing anembodiment of mechanical fastening components securing a tubular memberto an upper chord;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the truss systemshowing the mechanical fastening system components of the truss at thelower chord;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the truss systemshowing the mechanical fastening system components of the truss at theupper chord;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the truss systemshowing the mechanical fastening system of the truss;

FIG. 15 is an exploded elevational view of an embodiment of the trusssystem mechanical connection at the upper chord;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view along lines 16-16 of FIG. 14 showingan embodiment of the mechanical fastening system;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an upper chord of thetruss system; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fully assembled truss system inposition atop an erected structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed technology is directed to a structural roof truss that ismechanically assembled thereby avoiding the need for specialized weldingexpertise or the need to paint the truss when fully assembled. In oneimplementation, the truss includes upper and lower chords that aremechanically secured to the web members of the truss. The upper andlower chords incorporate equidistantly spaced punched holes for passinga fastener therethrough that in turn secures the upper and lower ends ofthe web members to the upper and lower chords. As a component of thefastening system a nut plate including a single set of flanges isemployed at each fastening point to distribute the load applied by thenut and bolt over a greater area than just the back surface of the nut.The nut plate is positioned over a crimped segment in the web member anda nut is threaded to the bolt passing from the underside of the lowerchord. Additionally, and generally only at mechanical fastening pointsproximate the two ends of the truss, where the loads at the connectionpoints are the greatest, a washer or bearing plate is utilized toprevent slippage of the fastener and to prevent elongation of the holepunched in the chord.

As shown in FIG. 1, the truss 10 disclosed herein is comprised of anupper chord 12 a lower chord 14, web members 16 and a mechanicalfastening system 18. The upper and lower chords 12, 14 may be of astandard cross sectional design as shown in FIG. 4 with a mainhorizontal segment 20 two main vertical segments 22, 24, two secondaryhorizontal segments 26, 28 and two substantially secondary verticalsegments 30, 32. As best seen in FIG. 3, the upper and lower chords 12,14 include holes 34 pre-punched along the main horizontal segment 20 atpredetermined distances preferably in the range of 50 to 80 inches. Theseparation distance of the pre-punched holes 34 varies depending uponthe distance separating the upper and lower chords which typicallyranges from 20 to 40 inches. The hole separation distance variesdepending upon the maximum load that the truss is expected to carry, theanticipated distribution of the load along the truss, the span of thetruss and other design aspects.

The pre-punched holes 34 are used to mechanically secure the web members16 to the upper and lower chords 12, 14. The holes are preferably in therange from 0.5 to 0.75 inches in diameter depending upon the load thetruss is expected to carry and the size of the mechanical fasteninghardware that is required to accommodate the design loads.

The present invention can eliminate the need for painting of the trussesfollowing fabrication. Once trusses are fabricated they may for a periodof time, either during shipment or possibly post-delivery while awaitinginstallation in the structure, be exposed to the elements includingprecipitation prior to installation. Exposure to high moistureenvironments can lead to oxidation of the steel trusses unless they arefabricated from galvanized steel or coated with a paint or primer priorto transit. The various elements, including the chord and web members,are preferably galvanized or pre-coated to satisfy the aestheticrequirements of the customer and then assembled into the finishedproduct. Utilizing the pre-coated or galvanized chords and web membersas well as the fastening system disclosed herein, oxidation of thesurface of the steel members is substantially eliminated.

A first implementation of a web member 16 disclosed herein, and as seenin FIG. 2, is preferably a linear element. The web member 16 ispreferably comprised of a tubular member 36 with a diameter in the rangeof 1 to 2 inches and a length of from 20 to 50 inches; however, the useof the term “tubular” should be not be construed to limit the webmembers 16 to a circular cross section. The term “tubular” should beconstrued expansively to include oval, square, rectangular and othercross sectional shapes. The wall thickness of the tubular member 36 andthe length of the tubular member 36 vary depending upon the design andload calculations of a particular truss.

As seen in FIG. 2, both ends of the tubular member 36 are crimped by apress creating two flat spans 38, 40. These flat spans 38, 40 are bentat an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the tubular member 36 andrun effectively parallel with one another but are facing in oppositedirections. The flat spans are preferably about 2.0 inches in length and2.0 inches in width; however, these dimensions may vary depending uponthe design and the load calculations for the specific truss undergoingfabrication. As a consequence of the press operation that forms the flatspans 38, 40 the tubular member adjacent each flat span is deformed froma tubular configuration to a collapsed tubular configuration. Thesecollapsed portions 42, 44 play a role in the mechanical fastening system18 that is discussed in greater detail below.

As also seen in FIG. 2, punched into the center of each flat span 38, 40are holes 46, 48 that are used for connecting the tubular members 36 tothe upper and lower chords 12, 14 with a mechanical fastener. Thepunched holes are preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 0.75 inches indiameter; however, these dimensions may vary depending upon the designand load calculations for the particular truss.

Fabrication of a truss 10 according to one implementation begins withseparating the upper and lower chords 12, 14 by a distance sufficient toallow the placement of the tubular members 36 between them. As is shownin FIG. 7, the upper flat span 40 of a first tubular member 36 overlapsthe upper flat span 40′ of the adjacent tubular member 36A when securedto the upper chord 12. Conversely, and as seen in FIG. 6, the lower flatspan 38 of the tubular member 36A is overlapped by the lower flat span38′ of the third tubular member 36B. This successive staggering of theflat spans 38, 40 of the adjacent tubular members 36 allows only asingle length of tubular member 36 along the entire span.

In order to secure the tubular members 36 to the upper chord 12 a bolt50, as seen in FIG. 8, is passed through the hole 34 in the mainhorizontal segment 20 of the upper chord 12 until the head 54 of thebolt 50 contacts the upper surface 52 of the main horizontal segment 20.The threaded portion 56 of the bolt 50 passes through the holes 48 inthe overlapping upper flat spans 40, 40′ of the adjacent tubular members36. Positioned beneath the overlapping upper flat spans 40, 40′ is a nutplate 58 that is comprised of a flat plate 60 with two opposed curvedflanges 62, 64. The nut plate flanges 62, 64 are curved in a manner thatis consistent with the angularity of the lower conical portion 44 of thetubular member 36 as seen in FIG. 6. The nut plate 58, like the chords12, 14 and tubular members 36, is preferably fabricated from highstrength steel capable of withstanding substantial loads whileexperiencing little localized deformation.

The nut plate 58 is also preferably about 2.0 inches in length and about2.0 inches in width with a thickness preferably in the range of 0.1 to0.2 inches. The nut plate 58 serves as a bearing surface for the backface of the nut 66 that is threaded onto the bolt 50. In one embodiment,the nut 66 is separate from the nut plate 58 and is torqued intoposition to secure the upper flat spans 40 of the adjacent tubularmembers 36, 36A to the upper chord 12. In an alternative embodiment, thenut 66 is rigidly secured to the nut plate 58 and is tightened intoposition by rotating the head 54 of the bolt 50. As seen in FIG. 7, wheninstalled beneath the overlapping upper flat spans 40 the nut plateflanges 62, 64 extend downwardly in nominal alignment with the lowerconical portions 44 of the tubular members 36, 36A. This alignmentprevents the nut plate 58 from rotating more than a few degrees whentorque is applied to the nut 66 or the head 54 of the bolt 50 as theupper conical portions 44 interfere with the flanges 62, 64 should theflanges begin to rotate. In a variation of the assembly processdescribed immediately above for securing the tubular members 36 to theupper chord, the bolt 50 may also extend upwardly, instead of extendingdownwardly, through the flat spans 40, 40′ and the upper chord 12without impacting the functionality or load carrying capacity of thetruss 10. Once the threaded portion 56 of the bolt 50 passes through theupper chord a nut 66 is threaded to the bolt 50 and tightened intoposition. Either orientation of the bolt whether facing up or down mayrequire that the head of the bolt 54 as well as the nut 66 be retainedby a tool, such as a socket mounted upon a ratchet, to tighten thefastening system 18 to the desired tightness.

As previously mentioned, at times the design of a particular truss andthe load that the truss is intended to bear require the installation ofa washer 68, as seen in FIG. 8, at one or more chord mechanicalfastening locations proximate the ends of each truss. These washers 68may be employed on both the upper and/or lower chords 12, 14. The washer68 is preferably fabricated from high strength steel and is intended todistribute the load applied by the bolt head 54 across a greater areathan just the contact surface of the bolt head 54. The washer 68 furtherincludes an opening 70 through which the bolt 50 passes when securingthe tubular members 36 to the chords 12, 14. In order to prevent, or atleast limit, movement of the washer 68 under the high stress loadsexperienced at the ends of the truss, one side of the washer 68 ispreferably roughened to minimize the prospect of slippage of the washeralong the main horizontal segment of the upper and lower chords 20.FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 reveal the presence of a washer 68 in the assembly ofthe mechanical fastening system of the truss embodiment. Whether awasher 68 is actually included in the assembly of the mechanicalfastening systems 18 near the ends of the truss 10 depends upon designcriteria and load calculations.

The roughened surface 72 may be fabricated by forming or cuttingserrations into the surface, knurling the surface of the washer 68, orby applying a granular texture to the surface of the washer 68 with anadhesive or alternately by applying a coating through spraying ordipping the washer. The roughened surface 72 prevents, or at leastminimizes, movement of the washer 68 and the bolt 50 passing through thehole 34 punched into the lower chord 14. Once the mechanical fasteningsystem 18 is secured in position, eliminating or reducing movement ofthe washer 68 and the bolt 50 reduces the potential for elongation ofthe punched holes 34 in the chords 12, 14. The specific number ofattachment points where the washer 68 is employed is established oncethe truss design and load calculations are fully evaluated.

The methodology described immediately above is repeated across theentire upper chord 14 with adjacent tubular member 36 flat spans 40overlapping one another in a consistent manner from one mechanicalfastening point to the next. As seen in FIGS. 5-6, the same process isrepeated along the entire lower chord 14 wherein a lower tubular memberflat span 38′ is positioned atop an adjacent tubular member flat span38. This implementation requires that the two flat spans 38, 40 of asingle tubular member 36 do not reside in both upper positions or bothlower positions at the same time but must alternate among connectionpoints. Because the tubular members 36 are fabricated in a singlespecified length for each truss 10 span there must be uniformity inplacement of these tubular members across the entire span. Placing theflat spans 38, 40 of the tubular members 36 in the overlap position atthe upper chord 12 and in the underlap position on the lower chord 14would require an elongation of the tubular member 36 in order for theholes 46, 48 in the flat span 38, 40 to align with the holes 34 in bothchords 12, 14. Likewise placing the flat spans 38, 40 of the tubularmember in the underlap position at the upper chord 12 and the overlapposition at the lower chord 14 would require a shortening of the tubularmember 36. Neither elongation nor shortening of the tubular members isdesired since utilizing a specified length of tubular member 36 alongthe span reduces span costs as compared to using multiple lengths oftubular members. Moreover, a single length of tubular member simplifiesthe truss fabrication process.

The overlap pattern of the flat spans 38, 40 must remain consistentalong the entire length of the truss. As discussed above for the upperchord 12 when assembling the lower chord the bolt 50 may be advancedthrough the lower chord 14 either from above or below the chord suchthat the nut 66 resides either above the chord as seen in FIG. 6, orbelow the chord (not shown). Whether the nut 66 resides above or belowthe chord will not impact the functionality or load carrying capacity ofthe truss 10. Once the threaded portion 56 of the bolt 50 passes throughthe lower chord 14 a nut 66 is threaded to the bolt 50 and tightenedinto position. Either orientation of the bolt whether facing up or downmay require that the head of the bolt 54 as well as the nut 66 beretained by a tool, such as a socket mounted upon a ratchet, to tightenthe fastening system 18 to the desired tightness.

An alternative embodiment of the truss 10 design, as shown in FIG. 9,also employs a tubular member 102 that, as discussed above, may have awide variety of cross sectional shapes. As seen in FIG. 10, the tubularmember 102 may be hollow with walls of a specified diameter. The tubularmember 102 is mechanically compressed at the mid-point 104 forming aflat span 106 and creating two separate arms 114, 116. The flat span 106is preferably about 2 inches in width and about 2.0 inches in length butalternative dimensions may also be employed as the load conditions ofthe truss dictate. A hole 108, as seen in FIG. 10, is punched into thecenter of the flat span 106 and the diameter of the hole is preferablyin the range of from 0.5 to 0.75 inches. Adjacent the flat span 106, asseen in FIGS. 10 and 12, are two conical sections 110, 112 of thetubular member 102. The conical sections 110, 112 are formed from thecompression of the tubular member 106. In addition to the mechanicalcompression forming the flat span 106, the two equivalent length arms114, 116 of the tubular member are each bent upwardly at an angle ofapproximately 45 degrees from horizontal creating an angle ofapproximately 90 degrees separating the two arms 114, 116.

As shown in FIG. 10, as with the first embodiment, the end of each arm114, 116 as with the mid-point 104, is compressed flat by a mechanicalpress. The approximately final 2 inches of each arm 114, 116 is pressedflat forming a flat section 118, 120 at the end of each arm. The flatsections 118, 120 are also formed at an angle of approximately 45degrees to each tubular member. This angled orientation of the flatsection 118, 120 allows the flat section to run parallel with the upperand lower chords 12, 14 when installed and facilitates attachment to thechords as is discussed in greater detail below. Each of the flatsections 118, 120 also includes a punched hole 122, 124 that is used tosecure the V-shaped member 126 to the upper chord 12.

In fabricating the truss 10, the pre-punched hole 108 in the flat span106 of the V-shaped web member 126 is placed over a pre-punched hole inthe lower chord 14. As with the first embodiment, the location of thepre-punched holes 128 is determined in advance of the truss fabricationbased upon the desired design and load calculations. As seen in FIG. 16,once the two holes, 108, 128 are aligned, a bolt 130 is preferablypassed upwardly through the hole 128 in the lower chord 14 and thenthrough the pre-punched hole 108 in the flat span 106. Alternatively,and as discussed above, the bolt 130 may be passed downwardly throughthe lower chord 14 instead of passing upwardly without compromisingeither the flexibility of assembly or the structural capacity of thetruss. Positioned atop the flat span 106 is a nut plate 132 comprised ofa flat plate 134 and, as seen in FIG. 12, extending outwardly from theflat plate 134 are a set of oppositely disposed flanges 136. The nutplate 132 also includes a pre-punched hole 138 in roughly the center ofthe nut plate 132. The nut plate 132, as discussed above, is preferablyabout 2.0 inches in length, about 2.0 inches in width and preferablybetween 0.10 and 0.20 inches in thickness. The nut plate 132 serves as abearing surface and distributes the load applied by the bolt 130 and nut139 across a greater area than just the back face of the nut 139 therebypreventing localized deformation of the flat span 106.

Trusses frequently experience their greatest loads at the far ends ofthe truss 10 and therefore the mechanical fastening system 18 at theends of the truss experience the greatest stresses. Depending upon thecalculated stress a particular mechanical connection point may requirethe use of a washer 160 positioned beneath the head of the bolt 130,such as shown in FIG. 16. One side of the washer 160 preferably utilizesa roughened surface 162 that is placed against the bottom surface of themain horizontal channel 20 of the lower chord 14. This roughened surface162 prevents slippage between the washer 160 and the bottom surface ofthe horizontal channel 20 which in turn greatly reduces or eliminatesthe prospect of elongating the hole 128 in the lower chord 14. Not allconnection points, such as those away from the ends of the trussnecessarily require the insertion of a washer 160 into the mechanicalconnection system 18.

The bolt 130 continues upwardly passing through the hole 138 in the nutplate 132. After passing through the hole 138 a nut 139, as seen inFIGS. 12 and 16 is threaded to the bolt 130 and a specified amount oftorque is applied to the nut 139 or the head of the bolt 130 to tightenthe mechanical fastening system into position. The nut plate 132 mayattempt to rotate while the nut 139 is tightened to the requisite torquelevel. However, as intended, the nut plate flanges 136 interfere withthe conical sections 110, 112 and rotation of the nut plate 132 isprevented. Once the nut 140 is torqued to the desired level attachmentof the first and second arms of the V-shaped web member 126 follows nextin sequence.

The punched hole 122 in the crimped end of the first arm 118, as seen inFIG. 10, is aligned with a punched hole 140 in the upper chord 12 asbest understood by viewing FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. The punched hole 124 inthe crimped end 120 of a second arm 116 of a V-shaped web member 126align with an adjacent hole 140 in the upper chord. As seen in FIGS. 11and 15, once there is vertical alignment of the various holes 122, 124,140 a bolt 142 is passed downwardly through the referenced holes andthen through a hole 146 in a nut plate 148 that is disposed beneath theoverlapping crimped end 118 of the first arm 114 of the instant V-shapedmember and the crimped end 120 of a second arm 116 of an adjacentV-shaped member 126. As discussed above, the bolt 142 may alternately bepassed upwardly through the referenced holes without impacting theflexibility of assembly or the structural capacity of the truss 10. Thenut plate 148 has identical characteristics to those discussed above forthe attachment of the web member to the lower chord 114. Once thethreaded portion 150 of the bolt 142 emerges from the nut plate hole 146a nut 152 is secured to the bolt 142 and tightened to the specifiedlevel or rotated to a desired orientation. As discussed with theattachment to the lower chord 14, the flanges 136 of the nut plate 132when rotated interfere with the conical sections 119, 121 of the crimpedends 118, 120 of the overlapping first and second arms 114, 116. Whenfully assembled the mechanical fastening 18 at the upper chord 12appears as seen in FIG. 13.

The attachment process for each arm 114, 116, as described above, isrepeated across the entire truss 10 maintaining the consistency of thecrimped section 118, 120 overlap across the entire truss. When the trussusing the V-shaped web member 126 is assembled it appears as seen inFIG. 14. As discussed above with the lower chord attachment process, forthose trusses that are designed to handle increased structural loadsnear the end of each truss a component for limiting deformation of theholes 140 in the upper chord is a washer 154 similar to that describedabove at reference number 68. Whether a washer 154 is employed at theends of the truss 10 depends upon the design and the load calculationsfor each particular truss. The washer 154 includes a hole (not shown)through which passes the bolt 142 and a side that is serrated, knurledor includes a roughened surface (not shown). As discussed above, and asseen in FIG. 17, the washer 154 is placed between the head of the bolt142 and the main horizontal segment 20 of the upper chord 12 with thepurpose of spreading the load applied by the bolt 142 and the nut 152and preventing slippage of the bolt that could cause elongation of thehole 140 punched in the upper chord 12.

The truss system 200 as seen in FIG. 18 is used to support the roof of abuilding 210. The truss 10 spans and extends over the interior of thebuilding and eliminates or greatly reduces the need for support columnsthereby freeing the interior space of obstructions. The implementationof the truss system typically involves placement of the upper chord 12atop an end seat (not shown) which is in-turn atop a primary frame.Trusses 10 are typically separated from an adjacent truss generally bybetween 48 to 60 inches.

While the preferred form of the present invention has been shown anddescribed above, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthe subject invention is not limited by the figures and that the scopeof the invention includes modifications, variations and equivalentswhich fall within the scope of the attached claims. Moreover, it shouldbe understood that the individual components of the invention includeequivalent embodiments without departing from the spirit of thisinvention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Notall steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in thespecific order described.

1. A truss comprising; a single member upper and lower chord member,each single member chord extending in generally the same longitudinaldirection and in spaced apart relation; a plurality of web members eachwith a first end and a second end, the web members including a crimpedportion at the first end and the second end with openings disposedtherein, wherein the first and second ends and openings of adjacent webmembers overlap; a lower chord fastening system extending verticallythrough the lower chord and the overlapping openings in the first endsof adjacent web members, wherein the lower chord fastening systemcomprises a threaded fastener inserted through an opening in the lowerchord, an opening in a web member first end, an opening in an adjacentweb member second end and a hole in a nutplate before being threaded toa nut, the nutplate being comprised of a flat plate with a pair offlanges extending outwardly from two opposed sides of the flat plate,the nut plate flanges being arcuately shaped and aligned with theadjacent web member; an upper chord fastening system extendingvertically through the upper chord and through the overlapping openingsin the second ends of two adjacent web members, wherein the upper chordfastening system comprises a fastener inserted through an opening in theupper chord, an opening in a web member first end an opening in anadjacent web member second end and a hole in a nut plate before beingthreaded to a nut, the nut plate being comprised of a flat plate with apair of flanges extending outwardly from two opposed sides of the flatplate the nut plate flanges being arcuately shaped and aligned with theadjacent web member; and wherein a plurality of lower and upper chordfastening systems are utilized across the entire length of the truss.2-5. (canceled)
 6. The truss of claim 1, wherein the fastener of thefastening system comprises a threaded bolt.
 7. The truss of claim 1,wherein the nut of either of the upper and lower chord fastening systemscontacts the nut plate when tightened in position thereby distributingthe compressive force generated by the fastening system over the nutplate.
 8. The truss of claim 1, further comprising a bearing plate incontact with the lower chord and disposed between a head of the fastenerand the lower chord to limit movement of the lower chord fasteningsystem.
 9. The truss of claim 1, further comprising a bearing plate incontact with the upper chord and disposed between a head of the fastenerand the upper chord to limit movement of the upper chord fasteningsystem.
 10. A truss comprising; a single member upper and lower chordmember, each single member extending in generally the same longitudinaldirection and in spaced apart relation; at least one web member disposedbetween the upper and lower chord members, the web member having a firstarm and a second arm, the first and second arms being separated by aflat crimp in the web member, the first arm having a first upper end andthe second arm having a second upper end; a first fastening systemextending vertically through the lower chord and through an opening inthe flat crimp thereby securing the web member at the flat crimp to thelower chord; a second fastening system extending vertically through theupper chord and the first upper end securing the first upper end to theupper chord; and a third fastening system extending vertically throughthe upper chord through the second upper end securing the second upperend to the upper chord, wherein the three fastening systems utilize amechanical fastener and a nut plate, the nut plate including a flatplate and a set of oppositely disposed flanges, the flanges runningsubstantially parallel to the first and second arms.
 11. The truss ofclaim 10 wherein the first arm and the second arm are separated at theflat crimp by an angle in the range of from 85 to 95 degrees.
 12. Thetruss of claim 10, wherein each web member is comprised of a singlecontinuous tubular member.
 13. The truss of claim 10, wherein the lowerchord fastening system comprises a threaded fastener insertedsequentially through an opening in the lower chord, and openings in thecompressed portions of the first ends of the overlapping web memberswith a nut threaded onto the fastener.
 14. The truss of claim 10,wherein the upper chord mechanical fastening system comprises a boltpassed through an opening in the upper chord, through holes in theoverlapping crimped second ends of the web members and then through ahole in a nut plate before being secured in position with a nut.
 15. Thetruss of claim 10, wherein the angle between adjacent web members at theoverlapping crimped first ends on the lower chord is approximately 90degrees.
 16. The truss of claim 10, wherein the angle between adjacentweb members at the overlapping crimped second ends on the upper chord isapproximately 90 degrees.
 17. The truss of claim 10, wherein the webmembers are preferably tubular members with a circular cross section.18. (canceled)
 19. The truss of claim 10, wherein a bearing plate isdisposed between the bolt head and the mechanical fastening systems ofthe lower chord at oppositely disposed ends of the truss.
 20. The trussof claim 10, wherein a bearing plate is disposed between the bolt headand the mechanical fastening systems of the upper chord at oppositelydisposed ends of the truss.
 21. A metal frame building system comprisinga plurality of primary frames, each of the frames having a top flange,the building system comprising: a plurality of metal trusses, the metaltrusses further comprising; a single member upper and lower chordmember, each single member chord extending in generally the samelongitudinal direction and in spaced apart relation; a plurality of webmembers with first ends of the web members secured to the lower chordand second ends of the web members secured to the upper chord, theplurality of web member first ends and second ends in an overlappingrelationship with adjacent web members; a plurality of verticallyoriented mechanical fastening systems for securing the plurality of webmember first ends to the lower chord and a plurality of mechanicalfastening systems for securing the plurality of web member second endsto the upper chord, wherein the plurality of metal trusses are adaptedto be erected upon the building system frame and are secured to the topends of the respective primary frames, wherein the mechanical fasteningsystems comprise a nut, a bolt with a shank and a nutplate, the nutplatecomprising a flat plate with flanges extending outwardly from twooppositely disposed sides of the nutplate and aligned with the adjacentweb members.
 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the upper andlower chords have a plurality of holes therein and the web members firstand second ends have a hole there through for securing the upper andlower chords to the web members with the mechanical fastening systems.23-25. (canceled)
 26. The system according to claim 25, wherein themechanical fastening system comprises the bolt inserted through thechord, the hole in the web member end and the nutplate before beingthreaded onto the shank and tightened against the nutplate.
 27. A methodof assembling a truss utilizing mechanical fasteners comprising an upperand lower chord parallel in relation to one another, the chords having aplurality of holes therethrough for securing at least one web member tothe upper and lower chords, the web member having a first end and asecond end, the first and second ends having a crimped flat portion anda hole through each crimped flat portion, said method comprising thesteps of: a) separating the upper and lower chord by a distancesufficient to position the at least one web member between the upper andlower chords; b) inserting a first fastener element through the hole inthe chord and through the hole in the crimped flat portions of the endof the web member; c) positioning a nutplate with a hole over thefastener that is extending through the holes in the chord and thecrimped flat portion; and d) mounting a second fastener element to thefirst fastener element to rigidly secure the at least one web member tothe chord.
 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the insertingstep includes passing a threaded bolt through the truss, the web memberhole and the nutplate hole.
 29. The method according to claim 27,wherein the mounting step includes threading a nut onto the bolt andsecuring the nut against the nutplate.
 30. The method according to claim27, wherein the positioning step includes a nutplate with flangesextending from two oppositely disposed sides.